
In this writer’s mind, the most potent of all interpretations of the title role is that of Tito Gobbi and he has a fine recording alongside Maria Callas and Giuseppe di Stefano, both in top form. Those interested in Luciano Pavarotti’s famed interpretation cannot go wrong with his CD release alongside Joan Sutherland and Sherill Milnes. For those interested in seeing what the Met production is all about, there is video release starring Diana Damrau, Piotr Beczala and Željko Lučić. Kristine Opolais reprises her acclaimed portrayal of the title role, opposite Roberto Alagna as Pinkerton, the naval officer who breaks Butterfly's heart. There are a plethora of options to choose from here. Description Anthony Minghella's breathtaking production has thrilled audiences ever since its premiere in 2006. Michael Mayer’s production takes audiences to mid 1900’s Las Vegas where the Duke is a gangster and Rigoletto some form of servant. The famed quartet is seen by many as the best in the canon for its ability to express four different emotional realities simultaneously in a succulently crafted piece of music.

Verdi employed unique musical tricks for the time, particularly using a chorus to intone wind. Rigoletto has a brief monologue in which he contemplates his vile ways and his only aria does not follow the ABA format usually associated with such pieces of the time.įinally Gilda is given Bel canto lines from the get-go, matching up with the Duke’s own vocal style more than it does with her father’s. Of these, “La Donna e mobile” is by far the most famous in all of opera, a cruel fate for listeners to endure when on considers that it is the anthem of sexism and misogyny.īut the work is well-crafted dramatically and the main hero, an outsider, is given no formal aria to speak-of. Verdi’s “Rigoletto” is well-known for its catchy tunes, many of which are given to the lecherous Duke.

Oksana Volkova and Nancy Fabiola Herrera alternate the role of Maddalena. Joseph Calleja takes on the villainous ruler in April.Īs the murderer Sparafucile, bass Andrea Mastroni makes his Met debut on Friday before Štefan Kocán takes over the act in April. Stephen Costello plays the Duke of Mantua in the first four performances of the run and he is slated to take over the role of Roméo in Gounod’s “Roméo et Juliette” after his work in Verdi’s opera. After making her debut in “I Puritani” back in 2014, Peretyatko has sung no other role besides Gilda at the Met, a run of 10 straight performances. This will be the Lučić’s fourth run of “Rigoletto” at the Met, byt far his most performed role with the company. Olga Peretyatko and Željko Lučić will be the production’s mainstays, singing every single presentation of the work this season. 20 in a lengthy run through February and then a few days in April. Beautiful music in a beautiful theater in one of the world's most beautiful cities- what else is left to say? Find cheap tickets for a performance at the legendary Metropolitan Opera now.Verdi’s “Rigoletto” returns to the Met stage on Friday, Jan. The massive reputation of the Met means that productions are able to draw in big names in opera like Placido Domingo and Renee Fleming. Their operas range in origin from the 18th to late 20th century, and span a wide spectrum of styles and origins. Holding the distinction of the largest classical music organization on the continent, the Met produces nearly 30 unique operas every single year from September to May. The Metropolitan Opera's unique scheduling system which allows for several different works to be staged during any given week means that there is always something on that will engage, thrill and inspire opera lovers of any preference- and even instill a love of opera in new and young audiences. The New York City Metropolitan Opera, which currently calls the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts home, was founded in 1880 and has been producing operas and classical music performances ever since.
